In April 1989, Clifford and Kathleen Wagner opened Crossroads Feed and Seed in Poplarville.
Since opening, the store has moved to its current location, which has expanded to include items for a variety of animals, gardeners and hunters.
The Wagner’s daughter, Angela Sullivan, assumed ownership of the business about eight years ago.
Sullivan described her parents as hard workers who when they got their mind set on something would learn to do it and stick with it.
“My father worked since he was 12,” Sullivan said. “When you have that much dedication you become successful. That’s why Crossroads was the number one feed dealer in Mississippi for several years.”
That’s a major accomplishment for Crossroads, considering they sell feed one bag at a time and don’t offer delivery, Crossroads Feed and Seed Manager Joe Mullen said.
“My parents first sold mainly animal feed and fixed tires to make ends meet,” Sullivan said. “When I started working for my parents in 1995, it was my idea to include more items that people wanted. I realized that just selling feed wasn’t going to cut it.”
Prior to and after Hurricane Katrina, the number of cattle farms was dwindling and most people were caring for their animals as pets, Sullivan said.
“Before, many had 150 acres farms, which included more than 50 animals,” Mullen said. “Now, people own about five acres and have a horse, pig, chicken or cow as a pet.”
Due to the change, Crossroads now offers high-end feed, because it’s better for animals that are considered members of the family.
Customers can find many types of feed for a variety of animals including horses, cows, dogs, cats, mini pigs, chickens, goats, hamsters and all types of birds, Mullen said.
Some of the brands in stock include Diamond, Sportmix, Natural Balance, Canidae, Taste of the Wild, Purina Pro Plan, Loyal, Marksman and Nutrena, he said.
Inside the store, there are a wide variety of items for pet owners and gardeners.
Pet owners can find a variety of supplies including leashes, treats and other accessories for your pet and their habitat.
Customers who enjoy working in their garden can find seed, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, wind chimes, bird feeders, gardening tools, rubber boots, self-contained fountains, bird baths and garden ornaments at Crossroads.
During the spring, gardeners will find a large variety of vegetable plants, trees, citrus trees, fruit trees and shrubs, Sullivan said.
There are also live animals available, including parakeets, cockatiels, finches, hamsters and guinea pigs.
Sullivan has plans to expand the pet section to include items for exotic animals such as lizards, snakes, rats and chinchillas.
Horse tack, live traps and steel traps can also be found within the walls of Crossroads Feed and Seed. With the impending arrival of deer season, the store will soon be stocked with seed to plant rye, iron clay peas, deer mixes and feeders.
Throughout the year, Sullivan hosts a variety of events at the store.
In March or April, they host a customer appreciation day complete with free food and free door prizes, Sullivan said.
This Friday, August 7, there will be a deer seminar, where hunters can learn how to plant deer plots. The seminar will be held at the store from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Friday, August 14, Hunters Night Out will take place at the store from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“These events provide us with a way of letting everyone know they’re appreciated,” Mullen said.
Along with Mullen, Sullivan said her store wouldn’t run without her employees, including 10-year employee Bridgette Slade, who customers love, Sullivan said.
“It’s like a family here,” Slade said. “I like the customers and it’s comfortable and friendly here.”
Sullivan echoed Slade’s sentiments.
“We do things for each other even outside of work,” Sullivan said. “We have get togethers and sometimes during events, former employees help out. We love it here and I wouldn’t move anywhere else.”
Crossroads Feed and Seed is located at 3854 Hwy. 26. W., Poplarville. The store is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information contact staff at 601-772-9497 and through Facebook at Crossroads Feed and Seed.